CPAN CPAN Post-Operative Complications and Interventions

Question 1

Why is post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) a significant concern in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

It can cause aspiration, wound dehiscence, increased intracranial pressure, and significant patient distress

Answer

It is a minor inconvenience with no serious clinical significance

Answer

It is a reliable sign that anesthesia was administered successfully

Answer

It is a condition that only affects pediatric surgical patients

Question 2

Which medication is commonly used as first-line pharmacologic treatment for PONV in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

Ondansetron (Zofran)

Answer

Morphine sulfate

Answer

Metoprolol

Answer

Furosemide

Question 3

What is the underlying cause of post-operative shivering and how should a PACU nurse manage it?

Accepted Answer

A thermoregulatory response to hypothermia managed with warming blankets and warm IV fluids

Answer

A sign of infection requiring immediate antibiotic administration

Answer

A completely normal finding requiring no assessment or intervention

Answer

A sign of anesthetic overdose requiring emergency reversal agents

Question 4

What is emergence delirium (emergence agitation) in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

An acute state of confusion, agitation, and disorientation occurring upon emergence from anesthesia

Answer

A planned and expected component of the anesthesia recovery process

Answer

Normal sedation expected to follow all types of general anesthesia

Answer

A sign indicating adequate intraoperative pain control was achieved

Question 5

How should a PACU nurse objectively assess for post-operative hypothermia?

Accepted Answer

Monitor core temperature with a reliable thermometer and assess for shivering and vital sign changes

Answer

Ask the patient whether they feel cold and accept their answer

Answer

Rely on visual inspection of skin color as the primary assessment method

Answer

Rely solely on the patient's subjective complaint of feeling cold

Question 6

What is post-operative urinary retention (POUR) and what are its key risk factors?

Accepted Answer

Inability to void despite a full bladder, with risk factors including surgery type, older age, and opioid use

Answer

Normal inability to void for the first 24 hours after any surgery

Answer

A urinary tract infection acquired during the surgical procedure

Answer

A sign of appropriate intraoperative fluid management